Proposal to amend Delhi Excise Act

The Delhi government is planning to make some amendments such as penalties for non- compliance to Delhi Excise Act with respect to keeping a check on underage drinking in the capital.

The excise department is working on the directions of Delhi high court, which on November 14 had asked it to form a policy within three months ( by January 2018). A senior excise official, however, said that the department would be making amendments to the already existing rules instead of coming out with a new policy.

The excise department had asked white paper recommendations from NGO Community Against Drunken Driving.

The recommendations include checking age proof with the help of a biometrics age match using a government issued ID or any other at bars, pubs, vends, and food and beverage outlets serving alcohol, making the host of a party liable if any underage person consumes alcohol in the said establishment or gathering, among others.

“Penalties for non- compliance for individuals selling/ serving / providing alcohol to minor a fine of 50,000 or three months jail or both. This rule should apply to all bartenders and employees of hotels and pubs,” according to the recommendations. While the department is considering bringing in penalties, the recommendation of checking age through a biometric match has not drawn a positive response. “Some people who are drinking might not want that their data gets registered by anyone. So it is not possible to bring in biometric system,” the official said.